reconnaissance
noun
re·con·nais·sance
ri-ˈkä-nə-zən(t)s 
-sən(t)s
: a preliminary survey to gain information
especially
: an exploratory military survey of enemy territory
Examples of reconnaissance in a Sentence
There are two helicopters available for reconnaissance.
They did a reconnaissance of the enemy's position.
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite its relatively short operational life — the A-12 was soon eclipsed by satellite reconnaissance and its Air Force successor, the SR-71 Blackbird — Byer emphasized its enduring significance.
—
Olivia Gazis, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Polaris’ hypersonic research and reconnaissance vehicle The new contract was awarded by Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw).
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
In the following weeks, the hackers conducted reconnaissance on Czech government targets including the Army, police, Parliament and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the report.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
The Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), cited a source Wednesday as saying that the drone operated by the IRGC successfully transmitted reconnaissance photos to its command center before suffering a loss of communication.
—Greg Norman-Diamond , Liz Friden, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reconnaissance
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Olivia Gazis, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Polaris’ hypersonic research and reconnaissance vehicle The new contract was awarded by Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw).
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
In the following weeks, the hackers conducted reconnaissance on Czech government targets including the Army, police, Parliament and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the report.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
The Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), cited a source Wednesday as saying that the drone operated by the IRGC successfully transmitted reconnaissance photos to its command center before suffering a loss of communication.
—Greg Norman-Diamond , Liz Friden, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reconnaissance
Cite this Entry
“Reconnaissance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reconnaissance. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reconnaissance
noun
re·con·nais·sance
ri-ˈkän-ə-zən(t)s
: a survey (as of enemy territory) to gain information
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